Program Overview
Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Science
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Science program at the University at Albany provides students with a deep understanding of atmospheric patterns and their impact on society. The program prepares students for careers in areas such as forecasting, energy, risk assessment, and emergency management.
Program of Study
The program of study includes introductory and advanced atmospheric sciences, as well as mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Students will have access to the New York State Mesonet, a collection of over 100 advanced weather observation stations located across the state.
Atmospheric Science Courses
- Weather Workshop
- Atmospheric Structure, Thermodynamics, and Circulation
- Weather Analysis and Forecasting
- Environmental Statistics and Computation
- Dynamic Meteorology I and II
- Atmospheric Thermodynamics
- Physical Meteorology
- Meteorological Data Analysis and Visualization
- Applications of Numerical Weather Prediction
- Severe and Hazardous Weather and Forecasting OR Water and Climate Change
- Choose one:
- Climate Variability and Change
- Water and Climate Change
- Climate Laboratory
- Paleoclimatology
- At least 9 additional credits from 301 and higher level courses (excluding Air Quality and Air Pollution Policy)
Math Courses
- Calculus I and Calculus II
- Calculus of Several Variables
- Ordinary Differential Equations
Chemistry and Physics Courses
- General Chemistry I
- Physics I: Mechanics
- Physics Lab I
- Physics II: Electromagnetism
Honors Program
Students who have attained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25 and a grade point average of at least 3.50 in courses required of the major in atmospheric science may apply to the department chair for the program leading to a B.S. degree with honors in atmospheric science.
Applied Learning
The department is collocated with the National Weather Service and the New York State Mesonet, which offer internship opportunities. The University's location in the state capital provides access to other internship programs and career opportunities with organizations including:
- The New York State Office of Emergency Management
- Center of Excellence in Atmospheric & Environmental Prediction and Innovation
- Area TV stations
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Research Interests of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences Faculty
- Dr. Lance F. Bosart: convective scale weather systems, mesoscale weather systems, middle latitude synoptic-scale weather systems, tropical weather systems, large-scale weather systems, and planetary-scale teleconnections
- Dr. Kristen Corbosiero: structure and intensity change of tropical cyclones
- Dr. Robert Fovell: numerical weather prediction and mesoscale dynamics
- Dr. Daniel Keyser: synoptic-dynamic and mesoscale meteorology
- Dr. Andrea Lang: linkages between synoptic scale weather systems and variability in the stratosphere
- Ross Lazear: analysis and predictability of synoptic- and mesoscale phenomena
- Dr. Justin Minder: mesoscale meteorology, mountain weather and climate, regional climate change, lake-effect snow, and environmental issues in the Adirondack Mountains
- Dr. Sujata Murty: climate and ocean dynamics of the past, present, and future using corals, observations, and models
- Dr. Brian Tang: tropical cyclones and severe weather
- Dr. Oliver Elison Timm: paleoclimate dynamics and future climate change studies
- Dr. Ryan Torn: synoptic and mesoscale dynamics, predictability, and data assimilation
- Dr. June Wang: creation and analysis of climate datasets to study climate changes and variability, Mesonet data quality assurance and analysis, In-situ sounding data quality and technologies, Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) measurements and their application to weather and climate studies
- Dr. Liming Zhou: land-human-climate interactions through a synthetic analysis of surface observations and remotely sensed data with climate modeling
Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Options
Students can save time and money by beginning their graduate degree coursework while still enrolled as an undergraduate student. Up to 12 academic credits, billed at the undergraduate rate, will count towards both degrees.
Combined Master's Programs
- MS in Atmospheric Science: advances knowledge of climate systems and processes that govern the atmosphere to prepare students for a robust career in the public or private sector
- MS in Information Science: covers a broad range of interdisciplinary topics related to library science, information processing, information management, and data analysis
- MS in Secondary Education: provides initial certification to teach a specific subject to students in grades 7-12 in New York State public schools
Career Outcomes
With a Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Science degree, students will be equipped for a wide variety of career paths in both the public and private sectors, or to pursue an advanced degree. Potential career titles include:
- Meteorologist
- Research scientist
- Data scientist
- Forecaster
- Risk management
- Emergency manager
- Broadcast meteorology
- Pilot
- Secondary and elementary education
Student Testimonials
- "The watershed moment in my life was making the decision to pursue my undergraduate degree with DAES. My time here was valuable and fulfilling. I’ve cultivated and enhanced technical and soft skills, participated in notable internships such as the National Weather Service and the NYS Mesonet, and I’ve been able to engage and shed light to important matters such as diversity and equality, with students, staff, committees and AMS local chapters. Now, I have graduated with the confidence and qualifications to strive for higher education and reach for ambitious career goals." - Pamela Cubias '23, BS Atmospheric Science
- "As a non-traditional student, my four years at UAlbany provided me with the necessary tools and resources to become an all-around atmospheric scientist. From an academic standpoint, I was able to experience personal growth, acquire knowledge and gain valuable advice from top experts in their respective fields. However, from a social aspect, UAlbany’s rich culture allowed me to create invaluable connections with both professors and colleagues alike, connections that will last me a lifetime." - David Moore ‘21, BS Atmospheric Science
Student Learning Objectives
- Effectively communicate with colleagues or others via clear and efficient writing or presentation technique
- Cogently describe the fundamental physical and dynamical processes operating in our atmosphere utilizing appropriate mathematical formulation
- Access, interpret and analyze a broad range of meteorological data, most typically for the purpose of generating an operational weather forecast
- Apply data, concepts, and models to the solution of problems in the atmospheric sciences
Minors
A minor consists of 18–24 graduation credits which must include a minimum of 9 graduation credits of advanced coursework at or above the 300 level. Most undergraduate degrees require completing a minor and it has to have a different title from your major.
Full List of Minors:
- Acting
- Africana Studies
- Anthropology
- Art
- Art History
- Atmospheric Science
- Bioethics
- Biology
- Broadcast Meteorology
- Business
- Chemistry
- Chinese Studies
- Cognitive Science
- Communication
- Computer Science
- Creative Writing
- Criminal Justice Studies
- Cybersecurity
- Documentary Studies
- East Asian Studies
- Economics
- Educational Studies
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Electronics
- Film Studies
- Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity
- English
- Forensic Science
- French
- Game Design and Development
- Geographic Information Science
- Geography
- Globalization Studies
- Hebrew
- History
- Informatics
- Instrumental Performance
- International Studies
- Italian
- Japanese Studies
- Journalism
- Judaic Studies
- Korean Studies
- Latin American and Caribbean Studies
- Law and Philosophy
- Leadership
- Legal Studies
- LGBTQ Studies
- Library and Information Science
- Linguistics
- Machine Learning
- Mathematics
- Medical Anthropology
- Music
- Musical Performance
- Musical Theatre
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science
- Portuguese
- Pre-Education
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Public Policy
- Religious Studies
- Russian
- Russian and Eastern European Studies
- Social Welfare Studies
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Statistics
- Sustainability
- Theatre
- Theatrical Design/Technology
- Urban Studies and Planning
- U.S. Latino Studies
- Vocal Performance
- Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Science at the University at Albany prepares students to become experts in weather patterns and climate change. Students gain a deep understanding of how atmospheric patterns impact society, with a focus on short-term and seasonal forecasting, climate change, and extreme weather.
Objectives:
The program's goals include:
- Equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand weather systems and climate processes.
- Enabling students to apply atmospheric science principles to real-world problems.
- Preparing graduates for diverse career opportunities in the field.
Description:
This program provides a strong foundation in atmospheric science through rigorous coursework in subjects like thermodynamics, atmospheric circulation, weather analysis and forecasting, and environmental statistics. Students also develop valuable research, communication, and analytical skills through hands-on experience and participation in faculty research projects.
Outline:
Program Content:
The atmospheric science program covers various topics, including:
- Introduction to Atmospheric Science
- Atmospheric Thermodynamics
- Atmospheric Dynamics
- Air Pollution
- Weather Analysis and Forecasting
- Climate Change
- Atmospheric Boundary Layer
- Remote Sensing
- Mesoscale Meteorology
Structure and Schedule:
The atmospheric science program typically follows a semester system. Students typically take four courses per semester, completing 120 credit hours during the program.
Modules and Descriptions:
Introductory and Advanced Atmospheric Sciences: This section provides students with the fundamental concepts of atmospheric science and progresses to advanced topics in meteorology.
Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry: These core courses offer students a firm grounding in fundamental sciences essential for understanding and interpreting atmospheric processes.
Electives and Specialization: Students choose electives and specialization tracks within their area of interest to tailor their learning to specific career aspirations.
Options include forecasting, climate change research, and extreme weather studies.
Applied Learning and Research Opportunities: Students gain hands-on experience through internship programs with the National Weather Service, NYS Mesonet, and regional media outlets.
Additionally, students can engage in research projects alongside faculty, allowing them to contribute to cutting-edge atmospheric science research.
Assessment:
Methods:
The program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student understanding and performance. These include:
- Examinations: Regular exams assess students' comprehension of key concepts.
- Assignments and Projects: Students gain hands-on experience and demonstrate their understanding through various projects, assignments, and case studies.
- Presentations: Oral and poster presentations allow students to refine their communication skills and demonstrate their understanding of research and complex concepts.
Criteria:
- Students' grades are based on their performance across different assessment methods.
Teaching:
Methods:
- The program employs diverse teaching methods to cater to various learning styles.
- Lectures are commonly used to introduce new concepts, followed by interactive sessions where students apply their learnings through discussions, problem-solving activities, and research projects.
- The program leverages guest lectures from industry experts to share real-world insights.
Faculty:
- Students benefit from learning under a dedicated team of faculty members, including Dr. Lance F. Bosart, Dr. Kristen Corbosiero, Dr. Robert Fovell, Dr. Daniel Keyser, and others with diverse research interests and expertise in various aspects of atmospheric science.
- Students can find a faculty mentor aligned with their research interests for individual and collaborative research projects.
Uniqueness:
- This program emphasizes hands-on learning and individual attention.
- It provides access to the state-of-the-art facilities at the National Weather Service, NYS Mesonet, and University research labs.
- The program offers opportunities for internships with leading organizations, enriching career development and professional connections.
Careers:
Opportunities and Outcomes:
- The program prepares graduates for diverse career paths in atmospheric sciences and related fields.
- Potential career opportunities include:
- Meteorologist
- Research Scientist
- Data Scientist
- Forecaster
- Risk Management Specialist
- Emergency Manager
- Broadcast Meteorologist
- Pilot
- Secondary and Elementary Education (with additional certification)
- Many graduates have secured positions at various organizations, including:
- National Weather Service
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
- Television broadcasting companies
- Energy and Utility firms
- Insurance companies
Other:
- Students have opportunities to participate in international study abroad programs and collaborate with researchers in Argentina, Brazil, and Taiwan.
